Ask A CPA - Buying & Selling a Business

When Buying A Business , What Is A SIC ( Standard Industrial Classification Code ) ?

SIC stands for the Standard Industrial Classification Code. It is a four digit number assigned to identify a business based on the type of business or trade involved. The first two digits correspond to major groups such as construction and manufacturing, while the last two digits correspond to subgroups such as constructing homes versus constructing highways. A company can determine its SIC number by looking it up in a directory published by the Department of Commerce, or by checking in the SIC book in the reference section of a local library. SBA size standards are based on SIC codes.

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